Lilies are loved by flower growers and gardeners almost as much as the “queen of flowers” ​​- the rose. Since lilies are so popular, breeders from around the world are trying to develop new varieties of these perennials, differing in color and shape of buds, higher resistance to frost and various diseases.

Currently, more than 100 new varieties and hybrids of lilies have been bred, each new one has its own positive qualities. This article will talk about the most original and beautiful of them - the Marlene lily, on each of the flower stalks of which more than 90 buds bloom at the same time.

Description of the Asiatic multi-flowered lily Marlene

The main difference between this hybrid is the ability to fasciate at the genetic level, as a result, a huge number of flowers appear on one peduncle.

Lily Marlene

Note! Sometimes plants of this variety are mistakenly called "Madeleine lily", "Merlin lily". These are incorrect names.

Fasciation is an ugly change in the stems of plants, as a result, during the period of inception of growth points, they merge together. The result of such a fusion is two (or more) stems can grow together with the main shoot or peduncle. Therefore, a lot more buds are formed on the peduncle than usual.

A similar phenomenon in lilies can occur for the following reasons:

  • the plant was infected with a viral infection;
  • the flower has suffered from excessive use of pesticides or growth stimulants;
  • in bulbous varieties of lilies, the bulbs were mechanically injured when they were dug up or during storage;
  • the regimes of soil or air humidity, illumination or temperature were violated.

In the next season, with proper cultivation of these varieties of lilies, fasciation may no longer appear.

And the Marlene lily produces at least 80-90 buds from year to year, its flowering is a truly enchanting sight, and the number of blossoming buds can be different, their maximum number can exceed 100 pieces.

Blooming is an enchanting sight

When breeding the lily of the multiflorous Marlene, varieties of the Asian group of lilies and representatives of longiflorums were used. From plants of the Asian group, this hybrid has inherited a high resistance to frost, early appearance of flower buds, active growth of new shoots during the season, rapid rooting after planting seedlings.

Interesting! Lilies of the Asian group are often used by breeders from around the world, as these flowers are strong, with strong immunity, unpretentious to care, and most importantly, all these qualities are transferred to new varieties.

Due to its too abundant flowering, the multi-flowered lily Marlene is one of the main decorations of any flower bed - whether it is in a garden, in a park or square.

This variety is grown not only for decorating garden or park areas, but also for cutting, because a peduncle with many flowers is also effective in bouquets. In addition, these lilies can stand in water for a long time - up to 12-14 days.

The disadvantages of the Asian lily Marlene include the fact that the multifloral nature does not always appear in the first or second season after planting. But already in the third year, the flower stalks will be able to release several dozen buds at the same time.

Helpful! Often novice growers, seeing an attractive package with lily bulbs, rush to purchase it.Don't rush! Indeed, in this case, it is impossible to discern the integrity of the bulbs. And any mechanical damage to them can adversely affect the growth and flowering of these perennials.

Characteristics and description of the plant

Lily Regale

Shoots of Marlen lily can grow up to 1 m (and more) in height, their color is usually pale emerald. The foliage is located on the stems alternately, its shape is elongated, the tips are pointed, it usually reaches 12-13 cm in length, and about 1.5 cm in width.

The blossoming flowers are large, in diameter they can be 16-21 cm. The colors of the petals are very beautiful - in the center they are almost white, with a slightly pinkish tint, and at the ends - a delicate pink tone. The inner petals are covered with small dark red spots. The emerging flowers are practically odorless, which is rather a plus of the variety, since many growers note the suffocating aroma of many varietal types of lilies.

Pyramidal inflorescence

A large number of buds are formed on a strong peduncle, forming a pyramidal inflorescence.

In the conditions of central Russia and other regions with a similar climate, the first blossoming flowers on the lilies of this variety appear 2.5-3 months after the appearance of the first shoots.

Characteristics of species and varieties

Lily Martagon

There are several varieties of lilies that can have a large number of buds. These include Madeleine varieties, some Asiatic lilies. The main qualities of such flowers are a compacted stem, a strong peduncle, the appearance of a large number of flowers 2-3 seasons after planting.

Compacted lily stem

Another good hybrid belonging to the eastern group is the Marlon lily - a relatively new variety with large flowers. The color of the petals is bright pink with a white border around the edge. Shoots grow up to 1.1 m in height. But no more than 3-4 flowers are usually formed on one peduncle.

Features of planting and caring for a lily

Lily Marlene is one of the most unpretentious varieties, some experts argue that it is enough to shove this Asian woman in open ground, and she will immediately grow. This is, of course, a joke, but in fact, this flower sprouts quickly after planting, grows actively and quickly begins to bloom with minimal care.

Lily tree

A novice florist can plant and grow this lily, it is enough to follow the basic planting rules:

  • the bulbs of this flower should be planted in the spring, after the snow has melted and the earth has warmed up to 14-15⸰С. Usually, depending on the region and climatic conditions, planting is carried out in the last decade of April - mid-May;
  • in winter, the planting material of Marlene lilies is kept in a basement or underground, where it is dry and cool, so that the bulbs do not sprout ahead of time. Some growers plant these flowers in the fall, but with such a planting there is a high risk of freezing or damage to the bulbs;
  • the larger the size of the planting material, the greater the depth of its embedding. Experts recommend digging a hole for planting with a depth of 3 bulb sizes. Therefore, large bulbs are buried by 25-26 cm, and small ones by 10-11 cm;
  • the soil in the area where this flower will grow must be well fertilized, loose, let through not only air, but also moisture. Peat, river sand and crumbly humus are added to clay and loamy soil before planting planting material in proportions 1: 1: 1. It is categorically impossible to introduce fresh mullein into the soil before planting, since organic matter in large quantities will cause the death of the bulbs;
  • the selected area under the lily should be sunny, protected from gusts of strong cold winds and drafts. Regular draft and even a slight partial shade are the main enemies of this flowering perennial; in such conditions, buds may develop poorly on the shoots, the stems bend, and the perennial itself is depleted and weakened;
  • you should also carry out pre-planting processing of the seed by placing the bulbs in a solution of karbofos, this drug destroys pathogenic microorganisms and protects the flower in the future from pest attacks;
  • the bulbs are placed in the prepared pits, covered with soil and lightly tamped, then watering is carried out, and a layer of mulch is spread on top.

Further care for a flowering plant consists in carrying out the following agrotechnical measures:

  • regular watering;
  • loosening the soil in near-trunk circles;
  • weed removal;
  • feeding.

If there are too many buds on the peduncle, it should be tied to a support to avoid breaking in case of strong gusts of wind.

This flower should be watered as the top layer of the soil dries up, avoiding stagnation of moisture in the soil - this can lead to rotting of the roots and death of the plant.

After watering, it is imperative to loosen the soil in order to improve air penetration to the roots, and also to remove the crust that appears after the introduction of moisture. In order for the water to evaporate more slowly, you need to regularly mulch the trunk circle; needles, sawdust, peat or humus are usually used as mulch.

Lilies are fed at least three times per season:

  • after sprouting, fertilizing is applied containing a large amount of nitrogen;
  • during the beginning of flowering, mineral complex fertilizers and organic matter are applied;
  • at the end of the flowering period, this bulbous plant should be fed with a fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium.

Major diseases and pests, control methods

The main diseases that flowers of this variety can be exposed to:

  • gray rot, the first sign is the appearance of brown spots on the lower part of the stems, which later spread to the foliage and buds. To get rid of rot, plants are sprayed with solutions containing copper, as well as special preparations (Hom, Oxyhom);

The rules for storing planting material should be observed

  • fungal rot that affects the bulbs can provoke the development of fusarium. The rules for storing planting material should be observed, it is imperative to carry out the procedure for disinfecting the bulbs before planting in a permanent place;
  • rust most often develops on the vegetative mass of the flower, which leads to the drying of the aerial part. All infected parts are immediately removed and burned, and the plant itself is treated with fungicidal preparations.

The main pests. which can damage the plant are:

  • aphid;
  • spider and onion mites;
  • lily beetle.

The best drugs for fighting these insects are insecticides (Fufanon, Actellik, etc.).

In general, the Marlene lily is a wonderful flowering plant that will not leave anyone indifferent to its beauty during the flowering period. Unpretentious care, rapid rooting, active growth of vegetative mass and active flowering are the main reasons for the popularity of this variety.